Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with a la mode

What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?

My business is named à la mode, which means “in the current fashion or style.” I make modern handbags from upholstery, neoprene, and seat belts as well as home décor items (decoupage switch plates, pillows, trivets) and hardware and resin jewelry. I got my start when a friend asked me to sell switch plates at a holiday party. At the last minute, she asked me to make handbags. I went to the party with products and business cards in hand and came away with orders. At that point, my business was born.

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best thing about what I do is that I love it and it’s mine. It’s my dream come true. The worst is that it can easily consume all of my time. Balance is hard to manage.

What do you do when you hit a creativity block?

I walk away from the project. I put it down and sometimes I won’t pick it back up for a week or more. Since I make many different things, it is easy for me to move on to another project for a while.

Were you an arty craftsy kid?

I was very arty craftsy as a kid. I did then exactly what I do now. I made things out of whatever was on hand. I remember fashioning a TV for my Barbie out of a small cardboard jewelry gift box. I cut out the “TV screen”in the lid and used a sewing pin as the antennae.

What are your inspirations in your art and life?

I’m completely inspired by every day things around me, particularly items that you’d never imagine being fashioned into art and accessories. I love the idea of making something interesting out of the mundane. I’m also inspired by my family who believe in me as much as I believe in them.

What’s better all the money in the world or all the free time?

That’s a really tough one. I guess if I had to choose, I’d say money because I could make more of an impact in areas of need then with my time.